Can foster children share a bedroom?

Can Foster Kids Share Bedrooms?

Becoming a foster parent in Wisconsin means evaluating every space in your home, especially bedrooms.

Are kids in foster care allowed to share bedrooms?
Can biological kids share with foster kids?
Are basement bedrooms allowed?
How many kids can be in one bedroom?

The short answer is YES - kids can share bedrooms.

But there are important rules and considerations in place to keep everyone safe. If you’re planning for shared bedrooms, here’s what you need to know.

Is It Okay for Foster Kids and Bio Kids to Share a Bedroom?

Sharing a bedroom with a foster child may or may not be in everyone’s best interest.

If your children are used to having their own space, sharing could be a big adjustment. On the other hand, they may feel excited about sharing with a “brother” or “sister.”

We’ve seen thousands of kids share rooms over the years, and most of the time, things go well. The decision depends on behaviors, emotions, ages, and how each child uses their space.

If your children are old enough, talk with them openly. Encourage them to share their thoughts. They may even have ideas for room setup, beds, or storage. Involving them in the process helps everyone feel prepared.

Can Foster Siblings Share a Bedroom or Bed?

Yes - foster siblings can share a bedroom, but it must be approved by CCR.

Any foster child age 6 or older must agree to share the room.

Bed-sharing rules:

Related foster children age 1 and older may share a bed with agency approval and consent (if age 6+).
Unrelated foster children may not regularly share a bed.
A foster parent and foster child may not share a bed.

Foster children should only share sleeping arrangements when approved and appropriate for their age and needs.

Foster Care Bedroom Requirements

To meet Wisconsin foster care bedroom rules, the following must be in place:

Bedrooms must have adequate space and a window.
Bedrooms must have a door for privacy, unless approved otherwise and any foster child age 6+ consents.
Bedrooms must allow safe movement between beds.
A foster child may not sleep in spaces used for communal living (like living rooms).
Basement bedrooms must have a window that opens.

Foster Care Bedroom Setup Rules

When setting up shared bedrooms:

Ensure safe walking space between beds.
Provide adequate storage for each child (dresser or closet).
A foster child may sleep on the top or middle bunk only if a safety rail is in place.
No more than four children may share one bedroom.
Foster parents (or another responsible caregiver) must sleep within hearing distance of foster children during the night.

Can Foster Kids Share a Bedroom? (Quick Answer)

Yes - foster kids can share bedrooms if:

The supervising agency, CCR, approves
Children age 6+ consent
Safety and space requirements are met
Bedroom rules are followed

By following these foster care bedroom rules and considering each child’s needs, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone in your home.

Ready to Become a Foster Parent?

When you're ready to explore further, contact Jane, she will gently walk you through the details.

Top 5 Wisconsin Foster Care Qualifiers

Qualifying to become a Wisconsin foster parent is much easier than you may think. There are many myths surrounding foster care that should definitely be ignored. The basic qualifications to provide foster care in Wisconsin are easily met by the vast majority of people that contact us. Basically, if you can offer a healthy home environment, have bed space, are financially stable, and have some flexibility, you are halfway there! Let's explore the 5 most important qualifiers and debunk some of the myths about fostering in Wisconsin.

Foster parents are needed in every Wisconsin county.

Yes, there is a need in your county. No matter what county or town you live in, we need more loving homes in your area. As a statewide agency, we are able to license new homes throughout the state of Wisconsin. We never know what counties kids will come to us from so we must have as many homes as possible across the state so we can place children as quickly as possible. CCR currently has foster homes in 36 Wisconsin counties. All new CCR foster parents begin at level 2, (just like county foster care) except those transferring from another agency already licensed at a higher level.

Married, Single, Partnered, and LGBT foster parents are welcome and needed.

If you are in a relationship and living together hoping to become foster parents, your relationship must be healthy and stable. We prefer couples to be together/committed/married for at least 3 years prior to applying. By this time the honeymoon phase of a newer relationship is over and the early kinks, if any, have been worked out.

Stability is one of the many important things foster kids have been missing in their family and home life. Entering a foster home that can promote strong, healthy relationships is vital to a child's success during and post foster care.

If you are single, yes, you CAN be a single foster parent. However, there are a few more pieces to consider if you wish to foster with CCR. Single foster parents must have a dependable support system, family, or friends that can help when you are unavailable to your foster kids.

Consistency and stability are key to a child's success. Foster parents are required to be available before and after school to provide a structured routine for foster kids. If you cannot be there, who will be your dependable backup person?

Foster parents must be financially stable and may not rely on the monthly foster care payment as income.

Let's talk about money. It is difficult for some people to ask about but it is so important to understand. First of all, there is NO cost to become a foster parent.

Secondly, foster parents get a monthly stipend to care for a child, it is based on a child's age and needs. Foster parents must be able to pay their bills on their own and may not use the monthly foster care stipend to help take care of bills. There is NOT a minimum salary or wage requirement. Basically, foster parents may not rely on the monthly stipend as income. It is designed to care for the foster child. In other words, don't foster for the money.

A flexible schedule is required. A stay-at-home parent is NOT.

All foster parents must have some day to day flexibility to meet the appointments and schedules of foster kids. Yes, foster parents can work and daycare is available for younger children (paid for by the state). However, rigid work schedules that do not allow for unplanned interruptions or scheduled appointments during business hours, do not work well with foster children.

Single, working foster parents, just like couples that are both working, must consider school schedules, breaks, and summer vacation. Not all children are appropriate to attend before and after school programs or daycare. What will your plan be for your foster kids in the summer and on breaks?

All CCR foster homes receive a weekly home visit. The visits last for about 45 minutes per child and are designed by your Case Manager to support you in all areas of fostering. Your foster kids will also receive a weekly visit, either at school or in your home. These visits take place Monday-Thursday during business hours. Your Case Manager will arrange a set schedule that works well for you both.

Most children have court-ordered visits with their biological families. Foster parents are responsible for driving their foster kids to their visits. This could be weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly. Visits are supervised by the county and foster parents are not required to stay for the visit. Friends and family can help drive your kids if you are unavailable.

A small apartment or a large house, kids CAN share a bedroom.

Every foster home must have at least 2 bedrooms. It does not matter how small or big your house is, as long as it is safe and comfortable with enough space for everyone. Foster kids can share with each other or with your children, this is your decision.

There are some rules to follow such as; no child over age 6 may share a room with a child of the opposite sex if unrelated. Also, each child must have at least 40 square feet of space, if you have a bedroom measuring at least 8x10 (80 sq. ft) that is ample space for two children. Bunk beds for kids are always a great use of space.

All foster parents must pass a background check.

You need not have a squeaky clean background to be a foster parent. Most misdemeanors will not affect your ability to qualify, nor will traffic violations. Any previous felonies will be reviewed and not all felonies will ban you from fostering so don't be afraid to explore if you have past arrests or have served some time. If you have a history you would like to discuss, our team is happy to speak with you in confidence.

Approximately 50 Wisconsinites contact us each month to inquire about becoming a foster parent. Most meet the basic qualifications right over the phone. If you are interested in learning more, please call us. Our advisor is happy to speak with you and has been a foster parent herself, she understands and remembers well what exploring foster care is all about.